Refrigerant Compressor Housing Latch Mounting for Fast Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly of refrigerant compressor housings to carrier elements is time-consuming, costly, and often results in damage due to complex geometries and the use of multiple components, with existing fastening methods like screws and clamping connections being difficult to dismantle without causing harm.

Innovation Solution

A device using clamping or latching technology with connecting elements that can be arranged on either the housing or carrier element, featuring receptacles with distinct sections for threading and locking, allowing for reversible and efficient attachment without screws, utilizing a rotational or linear movement for secure fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screw connections are used to fasten the housing to the carrier element, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the fastening function from complex screw connections and implements it through simple clamping elements that can be quickly attached to receptacles on the carrier element, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining connection reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening system is segmented into separate components: clamping elements with gripping portions and corresponding receptacles with retaining lips. This segmentation allows for simple, tool-free assembly where components are independently positioned and connected without complex alignment requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If multiple components and assembly tools are used for fastening, then the connection can be achieved, but the assembly effort and expense increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping element integrates multiple functions into a single component: the gripping portion directly engages with the retaining lip of the receptacle, combining positioning, clamping, and fastening functions that would otherwise require separate components and tools

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping elements are designed to be self-positioning and self-clamping through the interaction between the gripping portion and the retaining lip, eliminating the need for external assembly tools or complex adjustment procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If screw connections are used, then the housing can be fastened securely, but dismantling causes damage to the housing or cooling device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoiddismantling ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system transitions from a static, permanent screw connection to a dynamic, reversible clamping mechanism. The clamping elements can be easily released from the receptacles by simply removing the clamping force, allowing damage-free dismantling and reassembly multiple times

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using threads that require unscrewing and can strip or damage materials, the invention inverts the fastening mechanism to use a clamping action where the gripping portion simply releases from the retaining lip, enabling easy, damage-free removal and reuse

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP2263054B1Device for fastening the housing of a refrigerant compressor
Publication Date: 2011.08.17 ACC AUSTRIA GMBH
  • EP2263054B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2263054B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2263054B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A device for fastening the housing (2) of a refrigerant compressor at a container enclosing a cooling volume, wherein the housing (2) can be fastened to a support element (1) located at the container by way of an arbitrary number of connecting elements (3), wherein at least one connecting element (3) is provided that can be fixed in clamped or latched fashion in at least one corresponding receptacle (4), wherein the at least one connection element (3) and the at least one receptacle (4) can be located either at the housing (2) or at the support element (1). In order to facilitate a simple, fast and nevertheless reliable fastening of the refrigerant compressor at the support element (1), it is provided according to the invention that the housing (2) can be moved from a first mounting position in which the at least one connection element (3) is laid into the at least one receptacle (4) to an operating position in which the connection element (3) is fixed in the receptacle (4) in clamped or latched fashion.